A comparison of methods for detecting bacteria in root canal exudate

This study compared the ability of bacterial detection from intracanal exud ate by two different methods. One is a conventional method (i.e. the sample s were transported into anaerobic chambers immediately after sampling and t hen moved to an outside laboratory for identification of bacteria). Another is a preculture method (i.e, the samples were inoculated into semisolid me dium immediately after sampling, incubated for 24 h under anaerobic conditi ons, and then moved to the laboratory for bacterial identification). In 22 cases, the preculture method detected bacteria in 18 of 22 cases, whereas t he conventional method detected bacteria in 6 of 22 cases. The preculture m ethod showed significantly higher frequency of bacterial detection (p = 0.0 003). Gram-positive cocci (alpha-Streptococcus, Enterococcus, etc.) were de tected in many cases. These results suggested that the preculture method co uld be helpful in detecting root canal bacteria and enhance antibiotic trea tment of endodontic disease.